Under Fire from the Sea: Families in Odesa Try to Escape the Russian Barrage
From their 16th-floor apartment, Mariia, Eva, and Sergii witness the harrowing reality of life in Odesa, where the Russian barrage persists relentlessly. As the Black Sea glistens under the twilight, Mariia reflects, Up here, we can see and hear when the drones come. The ongoing assault transforms their serene view into a battlefield, with flames illuminating the night sky as drones hit nearby buildings.
Daily Life Amid Danger
Nine-year-old Eva has become familiar with the sights and sounds of impending danger. She knows whether what’s coming is a risk or a threat, and that calms her down, her father, Sergii, notes. This awareness is essential in a city that has endured nearly four years of conflict, particularly intensified assaults against Odesa—Ukraine’s third-largest city—over recent weeks. By targeting port and energy infrastructure, Russia aims to cripple the region’s economy and impact civilian morale.
Drones, often as large as motorcycles, frequently crash into residential high-rises like theirs, leading to catastrophic destruction. Mariia recounts, A few months ago, Eva expressed fear that a drone would arrive too quickly for us to hide. Through it all, the family struggles with the constant threat of violence and the lingering shadow of their past—originally from Kherson, now largely occupied by Russian forces.
The Economic Impact on Odesa
Odesa, an economic powerhouse before the war, finds itself at the center of heavy conflict, particularly since Russia controls most of Ukraine’s coastline. The significance of Odesa’s three ports—home to Ukraine’s sole deep-water port—has never been more pronounced. With land routes compromised, about 90% of Ukraine’s exports are funneled through the sea.
The situation worsened when Vladimir Putin threatened to significantly restrict Ukraine’s sea access in retaliation for attacks on Russian-sanctioned oil tankers. The implications are severe: Aerial assaults have inflicted extensive damage. Last month alone saw a 45% decrease in agricultural exports, a cornerstone of Odesa’s economy. Regional governor Oleh Kiper has stated, Shipowners clearly understand that they are entering a war zone, highlighting the risks they face.
Coping with the Crisis
The relentless barrage has left the population weary and anxious. Frequent air raid alerts interrupt daily life, yet many remain unperturbed. Maryna Averina from the State Emergency Service observed, People have become very careless about their own safety. High alertness is a tall order when enduring sustained pressure from strikes, ongoing power cuts, and devastating winter conditions.
As of December, nearly a million people in Odesa faced blackouts, with many suffering from the absence of electricity and heating during a harsh winter. We were among the first to experience what it means to survive winter without power, says Kiper. Homes struggle against the ongoing cold, complicating survival for families like Yana’s, who invested in an expensive generator as power remains severely disrupted.
Resilience and Identity
Despite the trials, some Odesites still display resilience. Kostya, a local fisherman, expresses confidence amid fears of advancing Russian troops: I don’t think they’ll make it here. Our forces will break their legs first. Nevertheless, he acknowledges that pain and fear remain prevalent. The war has driven a wedge between neighbors, with the memories of shared history overshadowed by current hostilities.
Odesa’s cultural identity bears witness to this clash. As a city historically tied to the Russian Empire, its significance amplifies the conflict. Government initiatives push to sever these ties, exemplified by the recent removal of monuments, such as the one dedicated to Empress Catherine the Great. These changes reflect a broader desire to reshape Odesa’s identity amidst ongoing aggression.
Looking Ahead
As Odesa marked a month in partial blackout, the community continues to adapt to the surrounding devastation. Recent missile strikes in nearby Chernomorsk underscore the ongoing challenges of living under constant threat. For Mariia, Sergii, and Eva, despite the uncertainty, hope remains—a hope for peace and stability in lives marked by conflict.
While the Russian barrage has wrought havoc in Odesa, the spirit of its people shines through. Their resilience serves as a testament to the human capacity to endure, adapt, and, ultimately, hope for a brighter tomorrow in the face of adversity.